Email: kym.byrnes@patch.com
Phone: 410-504-9565
Hometown: Westminster
Birthday: July 28

Kym earned a degree in journalism from Ohio University in 1996 and a Master's in Publication Management from the University of Baltimore in 2004. She worked in nonprofit communications for almost ten years before taking a break to raise her twins (who are now in elementary school). While home with her kids, she started freelance work as both a writer and a graphic designer. She became a regular writer for several local publications including the Carroll Eagle newspaper and Carroll Magazine. In addition to freelance work, Kym also worked as an adjunct instructor at Carroll Community College and McDaniel College. 

Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for us to inject our beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will cause us to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.

Politics 
I believe that it is a duty to vote. I believe that we all have a responsibility to be informed and engaged with what is happening in government - at the local, state and national level. I am a registered democrat although that does not necessarily determine how I will vote in any given election. 

Religion
How religious would you consider yourself? There is something out there "bigger" than us, I have no idea what it is or how it works. 

Local Hot-Button Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? Education, Ag Preservation, Smart Development, Spending